Field Day 2020

I was going to join my local club for Field Day this year but I wasn't (and am still not) feeling so well with my broken foot.  I decided to stay home but I had the most successful solo Field Day operation yet.  I submitted my entry form online and have a total combined score of 284.  Not a huge score but I worked hard for with with the lousy propagation and working conditions during the contest.  Keep reading for a full breakdown and a map of the sections I worked.

Why?

I just contacted a station that was activating a nature preserve in Indiana for Parks On The Air.  He was getting some steam going with people contacting him then some idiot started tuning up on top of him for no reason at all; this was malicious interference and not someone being an idiot just for tuning on top of a frequency in use.  The activating station gave up and shut down because of the malicious interference.  I cannot understand why these jackasses have a license only to run around QRMing everyone they think they don't like.  It makes me upset to hear that happening and it's happened to me before for no reason.

That's why I adhere to the DX Code of Conduct.  I give other amateur radio operators the same respect I want them to give me.  However, in today's world, it seems there's little respect to go around, especially in amateur radio, and it's really disheartening to see that.

Been busy

I've been busy on the air!  I've been doing a lot of digital modes as of late but still making a few SSB contacts here and there.  Been cleaning up the shack, rearranging things, doing little stuff to keep me busy.  I switched my shack computer back to Windows 10 and installed all of my favorite software.  I even installed Echolink and RMS Express (Winlink) finally.  So far, so good.  Getting ready for Field Day.  I am considering going to a Field Day setup with a local club but it all depends if I can get a ride there and how the weather is.  If not, I'll run Field Day from home.  This year, for the first time, I'll give digital modes a try for Field Day.